nuvochocho

Friday, April 8, 2011

She grew up on the Upper East Side, has a designer mother and dates a socialite boyfriend — Olivia Palermo, former cast member of The City, is the real-life version of the style-savvy Blair Waldorf.

For an Olivia-approved look, here are some similar pieces you can work into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Who knows? The downtown sidewalk might as well be your Fifth Avenue stomping grounds. xoxo

Let the dress be the focus. Maxi dress by itself is a statement piece already; if you really want to flaunt the new necklace or bag you just bought, your best bet is to pair it up with a monotone maxi dress. Patterned maxi dress? Add nothing, really.

Also, try to mix and match, transform the maxi/tube dress into a long skirt and pair up with a tank top.

Rule number two- Know your body type

If you are one of the lucky ones who are slender enough, go ahead and play around with patterns, volume, and different texture such as sheer bottoms. But for the rest of us, don’t give up just yet. Stick to the form-fitting design that reveals your curve and especially accentuates your waist. Feel free to wear whatever colors you desire but the basics such as black, white and grey elongate your body the best.

Rule number three- Break away from the norm

The first and foremost thing is to get rid of the thought of wearing heels-not even wedges. The point is not to duplicate the red carpet look or to look polished; it’s about individuality and having fun with the lightweight, carefree characteristic of maxi dress. My recommendation for those who are still experimenting is to pair it up with gladiator sandals or cute flip-flops. Otherwise, lace-up oxfords and detailed flats are brilliant choices. Also, blazers (boyfriend or not) go pretty well with the maxi trend.